Reply #8: I have been "counting" the votes to determine how many are voting d vs r [View All]

[salin]

given that both are wide open elections - this is very significant. Why? Because if I have an interest in a candidate - I vote in that primary (esp in early primaries where the finish of the candidate can help shape the campaigns), rather than voting in the party with an open election because the other party has a predetermined candidate.

Indeed, a win for Clinton keeps the race "wide open" per the next round of primaries - there for the turnout rates in those elections (at least through Feb 5) will also be indicative of to which party holds the turnout edge in the general. Why? If Clinton loses, than it might effect the turnout for dem primaries, as it will be felt by some voters that the end has already been decided. Then the comparison of dems to reps turnout will be like apples and oranges in terms of a wide-open race (where voters feel that there vote counts and may be "important" compared to a perceived "predetermined race" where some don't bother voting as it is only symbolic.

The more (esp not regular dem primary voters) who vote in these primaries the better - as those voters will more likely be emotionally invested in their candidate when it comes to November. This is a very healthy development.

Note - I say this as an undecided - so I am writing from a big-picture stand and not regarding or with bias towards any of the candidates.